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It’s time…it’s time…it’s Book EndTime! Welcome to this week’s Book End, highlighting the week’s literary and library events here in Hawaiʻi.

Support our local literary scene and our local libraries by attending these events. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Friday, January 25

Tom Peek reading from Daughters of Fire – This gathering is free and open to the public. Tom Peek’s debut novel picks up Hawaii’s story where James Michener left off. Three Hawaiian women–a young activist, an anthropologist, and an aging seer–call forth their deepest traditions to confront an extravagant resort development. A visiting astronomer stumbles into their world, falls in love with the anthropologist, and enters a Polynesian realm of volcanoes, gods, and revered ancestors. But a murder on the lava and an impending eruption expose deep rifts in paradise. Daughters of Fire is available at Costco and online. Books will be available for purchase and signing at all events. Storybook Theatre (3814 Hanapepe Rd.); 7:00 P.M. For more information, contact Koa Books, 808-875-7995 or koabooks.com.

Saturday, January 26

Celebrate Amelia Bedelia’s 50th Birthday - Amelia Bedelia, the literal-minded housekeeper of Peggy Parish’s popular series of picture books and “I Can Read!” titles, will celebrate her 50th birthday. Keiki ages 3 and older are invited to attend Amelia Bedelia’s 50th Birthday Party, a free event, in the Children’s Section of the Library. Amelia Bedelia (costumed student-actress from the Kapolei High School Performing Arts Center) herself will be attending this special Golden Anniversary Birthday Party as the guest of honor. Come join the festivities. Keiki can decorate a bonnet like the one Amelia Bedelia wears, create a birthday card for her, and play the “Pin the Pie on Amelia Bedelia” game. All keiki must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Kapolei Public Library (1020 Manawai St.); 10:00 A.M. For more information, please call the Library at 693-7050.

Chinese New Year Celebration – Manoa Library will be celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year with events over four Saturdays (Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 23). On this Saturday, you’ll be able to see a Double Lion Dance Library Blessing—A Lion Dance performance by Gee Yung Chinese Martial Arts, Dragon & Lion Dance Sports Association. There will also be The Story of the Kitchen God—Storytelling by Miss Panda with coloring craft activity to follow. These programs are suitable for ages 5 and older. Manoa Public Library (2716 Woodlawn Dr.); 10:30 A.M. For more information, call 988-0459.

Learn How to Eat Sensibly and Stay Healthy - Rita Madden, a registered dietician, will conduct a free presentation on preparing quick and healthy meals. Madden will discuss health and nutrition topics and suggest traditional ways of eating for weight loss and chronic disease prevention. Adults and seniors can learn how to prepare a quick, delicious and nutritious meal. Madden will conduct a cooking demonstration and discuss cooking and shopping strategies that will decrease time in the kitchen. Food samples for tasting, recipes, and a resource guide will be provided. Aina Haina Public Library (5246 Kalanianaole Hwy.); 10:30 A.M. For more information, call the Library at 453-6566.

Author Event: Jayne Ann Krentz - Come to the book store to meet author Jayne Ann Krentz where you can talk about her latest book Dream Eyes. Books will also be available for sale to be signed by Jayne herself. Publishers Weekly says “Krentz returns to the world of her sexy psi investigators in a strong sequel to Copper Beach (2012).” Barnes & Noble Ala Moana Center (1450 Ala Moana Blvd. STE 1272); 1:00 P.M. For more info, click here.

READ to a dog! – Hawaii Canines for Independence Therapy Dog Teams will be at the Library every Saturday in January. Reading to a Therapy Dog builds reading confidence, strengthens literacy skills, and it is a lot of tail wagging fun! First through sixth grade children can sign up for ten-minute reading sessions. Children must be on time to prevent losing the opportunity to read to a dog. Hawaii Canines for Independence is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides people with physical disabilities specially trained dogs that will give them the freedom and confidence to live more independent lives! Makawao Public Library (Maui); 3:00 P.M. For more information or to register, call 573-8785.

Author Event: NFL’s Jesse Sapolu – Come on down to the book store and meet local football legend Jesse Sapolu. Sapolu will be talking about and signing his new book, I Gave My Heart to San Francisco. For those who don’t remember, Sapolu was a standout football player in Hawaii for both Farrington and the University of Hawaii. He then went on to a successful career in the National Football League, playing for the San Francisco 49ers (who, btw, are in the Super Bowl this year…so, topical!). Barnes & Noble Ala Moana Center (1450 Ala Moana Blvd. STE 1272); 3:00 P.M. For more info, click here.

Homeschooling: Why & How? - Parents, are you interested in finding out whether homeschooling is the right choice for your child? Come and meet Gail Nagasako, Maui author of “Homeschooling: Why and How.” Nagasako, who has more than 20 years of experience as a homeschool support group leader, counselor and is the mother of a now-grown homeschooled son, will share information about homeschooling and why homeschooling may be beneficial for your child and family. She will discuss topics presented in her book such as academics, curricula, college, and socialization. A question-and-answer session will be included in the one-hour program. Kihei Public Library (Maui); 3:00 P.M. For more information, contact the library at 875-6833.

Sunday, January 27

50th Anniversary Celebration – Kaneohe Public Library will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with special performances and events. The public is invited to attend this free event and the Library will be open during its normal Sunday public service hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featured performers will include Grammy and Na Hoku Hanohano Award award-winning slack key guitarist Jeff Peterson; renowned Native Hawaiian storyteller Lopaka Kapanui, award-winning magician and balloon artist Kelvin Chun, and Douglas Pooloa Tolentino and band Paahana. Kaneohe Public Library (45-829 Kamehameha Highway); Events from 10:15 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. For more info, call the library at 233-5676.

Learn How to Eat Sensibly and Stay Healthy – Rita Madden, a registered dietician, will conduct a free presentation on preparing quick and healthy meals. Madden will discuss health and nutrition topics and suggest traditional ways of eating for weight loss and chronic disease prevention. Adults and seniors can learn how to prepare a quick, delicious and nutritious meal. Madden will conduct a cooking demonstration and discuss cooking and shopping strategies that will decrease time in the kitchen. Food samples for tasting, recipes, and a resource guide will be provided. Pearl City Public Library (1138 Waimano Home Rd.); 2:00 P.M. For more information, call the Library at 377-2456.

Remember, all events listed above may be subject to change. Please contact the venue beforehand if you plan on attending. We encourage you to click on the links that are included with the events in the time line above. More events can be found on our Hawaiʻi Book Blog Events Calendar. You can also keep up with events through us on Twitter by following @HawaiiBookBlog.

If you have an event you would like us to help promote, please leave us a comment here or e-mail me at aalba@hawaiibookblog.com. Mahalo and have a great weekend!